Pa Modou Jange, fondly known as Nda, has retired from the national team after helping The Gambia reach the 2022 AFCON quarter-finals.

In a Facebook post, the national team captain wrote: "It is with bitter-sweet emotions that I announce my retirement from national football duties. Football to me is not only a game nor is it only a job but a part of my identity and played a key role moulding me into the adult I am today. I came to the international football scene when I was given the opportunity to serve in the Gambia’s under 17 squad that competed in the under-17 world cup in 2005 in Peru. Since then, I have tried my best to always answer and honour the call to represent The Gambia with my utmost best."

He continued: "It has been a great honour to be part of the Gambian team that qualified for the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) for the first time. Every time I get on the field during the tournament so many emotions are evoked knowing that the whole Gambian public is united in watching us live the dream with them. This was the dream of Biri Biri, Jatto Ceesay, Ebou Sillah, Aziz Corr, Bonu Johnson, Sang Ndong and all the other brilliant footballers that came before me. They laid the foundation and walked so that our generation of footballers can run.

"As I leave this leadership position of Gambia’s national team Captain to the capable hands of the deputy Captain Omar Colley, I leave with so much pride and hope for Gambian football. The quality of players we have in the squad and their professionalism is incredible. These boys are going to keep breaking the barriers and will be “chilling with the big boys of football."

Pa Modou, who lives in Switzerland with his family, thanked Coach Tom Saintfiet for trusting him with the captaincy and believing that he has a place in the national team.

"This is not goodbye to football yet. For the next couple of years, I will continue with club football after which I will transition to other roles associated with the sport which will be communicated in due time."